1991 300e poly belt
 

hi, i just rebuilt my alternator for the car. i removed the alternator without undoing the belt, i kind forced it off with my hands.
tomorrow i am going to put the rebilt alternator in, and i am going to have to release then tension in the poly belt, i looked everywhere, and checked my repair manual and couldnt find anything on it.
does anyone know how to do it or has done it?
thanks

The belt can be removed or installed without using the tensioner. Once the lower alternator bot is removed and the upper bolt loosed, the alternator can swing to release the tension of the belt.

You probably already did this when you removed the belt.

It is better not to touch the tensioner because you might need a new one if you do.